Water level fluctuations in standing waters

What is it about?

We found that water level fluctuations (WLF) reduce the productivity and biodiversity of lake littoral zones. Given that the majority of biodiversity within lakes is found in the littoral zone, coupled with the fact that it provides an important food source to associated aquatic habitats and neighbouring riparian zones, our findings have important implications not only for lakes experiencing amplified WLF, but also for adjacent aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

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Why is it important?

The paper gives novel insight into the impacts of WLF on the structure and functioning of lake ecosystems and highlights the importance of examining empirically the mechanisms behind the responses of biota to hydrological stress. We identified several specific ways that WLF modify assemblages along the depth gradient, providing an indication of sampling strategies to be employed, demonstrating the need to mitigate extreme WL withdrawals and implications for aquatic conservation and management.